3G N8x0 alternatives?
 

I used an Android device for about a week a few months ago and was pretty underwhelmed by the experience, and it seemed impossible to customize the things I wanted to customize. Despite this experience I just bought a Droid 2 Global because work was insisting I get a device that I can use with my work email (Exchange) when I'm traveling and at conferences, and the D2G seemed like the best option available on Verizon (with whom I get a big discount).

Now that I bought it I'm having some second thoughts. I actually like my dumbphone, it is 4 years old, but works great and is pretty darn indestructible, plus I like having a phone that I don't have to charge everyday. So I'm wondering if a tablet exists that I could get just a data package with instead, and continue using my phone as a phone?

* Ideally it should be pocketable (jacket pocket is OK though - basically similar size as N800 although could be a bit bigger)

* Have a hardware keyboard (flexible on this point)

* Needs to have some kind of 3G modem built in, can't spend more than $35 per month for data (work is paying for data connection and that is their limit)

* Would like it to have a good OS (full multitasking, ability to run business productivity software, Exchange activesync, etc...)

Anything like this exist? It needs to be available pretty much right now (taking a trip in early March that I'd need this for).

Need to decide if I should just suck it up and activate the Droid, or return it and pick something else up.

Re: 3G N8x0 alternatives?
 

Yup there is a device which does all of that, and...

Has an FM transmitter.
Has an FM receiver.
Has an IR transmitter for pretending to be a TV remote
Has 32GB built in mass storage
Has a MicroSD slot for expanding storage (currently upto 32GB)
5MP camera (HDR capable via extra software)

I could go on, but yup it's the N900, but it is about the only thing out there which meets your requirements.

Re: 3G N8x0 alternatives?
 

Except as far as I know I can't get just a data package with it in the U.S? Also the screen is a bit small for my taste, really want something between 4" - 6"

Re: 3G N8x0 alternatives?
 

Yes you can get just a data plan, on either AT&T (2G only) or Tmobile (3G and "4G").

Nothing you can really do about the screen size though. I do find it acceptable for the most part, but I too would prefer a 4-5" screen. There really is no alternative out there, unless you want to suck it up and use Android. Then I would recommend the Dell Streak (which should be a getting a working Honeycomb port soon).

Re: 3G N8x0 alternatives?
 

Do you know the details of the t-mobile data only plan? All I could find on their site was a $50 per month plan which they said was for Windows Mobile phones.

Re: 3G N8x0 alternatives?
 

Re: 3G N8x0 alternatives?
 

Thanks. Don't know why I wasn't able to find that the first time I went to the site. $40 is getting closer to what my work will pay, might have to see if they will let me bump that up a few dollars a month. If they had an international data plan like they do for the Blackberries it would be a lot more tempting though.

Re: 3G N8x0 alternatives?
 

Look around and see Archos's internet tablets. They have many of them with different sizes and capabilities. People also ported MeeGo to Archos devices.

I tend to like Archos 5 and Archos 43, although I've never used any of them. Downside: they don't have any phone connection.

Re: 3G N8x0 alternatives?
 

No data (wifi only), and runs Android, but 5" screen:
http://www.electronista.com/articles...f.the.4.model/
I think it would be a very nice toy, especially if you get one of those 3G hotspot thingies.

Re: 3G N8x0 alternatives?
 

Check out the Viliv N5.

clamshell form factor
1.3Ghz CPU (atom)
Windows 7 OS (put any x86 OS on it you want)
4.8" 1024 X 600 screen
32GB SSD
GPS
1.3MP cam
Optical mouse
HSPA option
‘Up to’ 5 hours battery life.
399gm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mrN6SFslTw

I think the N5 is the only device right now that meets all your spec requests; not even the N900 meets the screen size requirement.